Victor Okiemute, Warri
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been called upon to release as well as implement it’s report on Ward Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency as ordered in a judgement by the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/413/2006 or there would be no election in the area come 2027.
This warning was handed down by indigenous Urhobos and Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency while addressing journalists in Warri, they noted that since INEC is refusing to implement it’s own report, the Commission is paving the way to crisis and blocking the road to peace in the Constituency.
Addressing journalists on behalf of indigenous Urhobos and Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency, Olorogun Victor Okumagba said that since they have exhausted all legal means including Supreme Court on the issue of Ward Delineation in the area, they have no other option than to take their destinies in their own hands.
According to the Urhobos and Ijaws of Warri, “now, history is about repeating itself as the nation has not learnt the lessons of history. Today, the same reasons of
corruption, tribal biases and undue government leaders influence on INEC is on display.
“INEC is refusing to implement its report, its own report and thereby blocking the road to peace. A people denied the ballot, and due political participation and representation will seek other roads.That is not a threat. That is history.
“The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State having exhausted all legal means including judgment of the Supreme Court on fresh delineation of
electoral wards and polling units have no order option than to take our destiny into our hands. We shall use all possible means necessary to ensure that there is no election in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.”
They expressed displeasure over the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release and implement the report of the delineation exercise already conducted in compliance with the apex court judgment.
They recalled that in August 25, 2025, they addressed the world on INEC’s disgraceful and irresponsible refusal to release and implement the already conducted fresh delineation of electoral wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
Olorogun Okumagba added, “today, we are profoundly saddened as we convene once more—perhaps for the final time—to draw your attention to the same matter as we approach the 2027 general elections. Failure to correct these imbalances led to the unfortunate Warri crises between 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.
“One year after the presentation, INEC has not published the final report but has instead commenced another electoral process in violation of the Supreme Court judgment. In the eyes of the law, there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units in Warri until the fresh delineation is concluded and implemented.
“It is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgment for INEC to proceed with voter registration when there are no wards upon which such exercise can stand.”
Olorogun Okumagba spoke further, “apparently, the Commission has been compromised by forces bent on sustaining minority rule over the majority in Warri territory. This situation threatens democratic participation.”
They accused INEC of compromising its independence and succumbing to external influence, adding, “INEC has chosen cowardice over its statutory duty. The delineation is done, the report is ready, yet it has refused to act,”
The statement was signed by several leaders across the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, including Dr. Joel Bisina, High Chief Dr. Godspower T.D.A. Gbenekama, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Rev. Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi, Hon. Frank Pukon, and Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori, among others.
